But the Edmonton Eskimos are still giving the wide receiver a passing grade.

“He wanted to explore free agency,” Eskimos general manager Ed Hervey said of the six-foot-five, 224-pound Kansas product, whose contract ran out just as free agency opened in mid-February. “And we wanted to allow him to do that.

“But we want as much experience on the offensive side as we can at this point.”

Especially considering the Eskimos will have a new quarterback with relatively little experience as a CFL starter in either Matt Nichols or Mike Reilly.

“I didn’t feel good about our quarterback situation, having a bunch of young guys, because that’s counter-productive,” Hervey said.

Which is why the Eskimos gladly welcomed Henry back with open arms following two injury-shortened seasons where he averaged 383 yards and a touchdown.

“Marcus has upside, provided he can stay healthy, and continue to grow,” Hervey said.